[usb 3 card]

Yes, I connected the power and have had no problems with passport drives, not even sure if it is needed for those.

[usb 3 card]

I am using one like THIS in my N54L

 

Which DSM version are you using?

 

 

I was using 4.3 3827 and it worked then, now using DSM 5.0 4458 update 2 and still working

 

It also comes with the low profile bracket which you need.

[usb 3 card]

I am using one like THIS in my N54L

[How to install DSM 5.0 4458 using gnoboot-me]

To add a serial I edited the menu_alpha.lst file and added the serial number in the section as below

 

title gnoboot-alpha

root (hd0,0)

kernel /zImage sn=B3JN12345